Galway is a city that’s best explored on foot. However, many that do so set-off without any clear itinerary.
The result?!
Many stroll around aimlessly, get pulled into one of the pubs in Galway City or, worst of all, leave feeling underwhelmed.
There are two types of Galway walking tours:
- Paid ones: Like this 1.5 hour guided tour (I’ll give you a list of several more at the end)
- Free ones: Like the guided Tribes tour (info at the end)
- Self guided: Trails like the one right below that you do without a guide
Guided and self-guided walking tours of Galway
Right – take 20 seconds to look over the map about as it’ll give you a sense of the lay-of-the land.
As you can see, this walking tour of Galway starts at Eyre Square and finishes at Galway Cathedral, however, you could easily do it the other way around.
Key info about this Galway walking tour:
- Distance covered: 2.2km
- Total walking time: 35 minutes
- Suitable for: Most fitness levels
1. Start at Eyre Square
Photos via Shutterstock
Eyre Square makes a good starting point for both guided and free Galway walking tours.
Standing at the heart of the city, it was established during the 18th century and it’s here that the Galway Christmas Market takes place.
Here’s what you need to look out for:
- Pádraic Ó Conaire Statue: A tribute to the famous journalist who mainly wrote in the Irish language
- John F. Kennedy Bust: Honouring the U.S. President’s visit to Galway
- Browne Doorway: A historic entrance to the Browne house (from 1627)
- Liam Mellows Statue: A memorial to the War of Independence hero
- The Tribes of Galway Flags: Representing the 14 merchant families that shaped Galway’s history
2. Ramble along Shop St. and onto High St.
Photos with thanks to Chaosheng Zhang
When you leave Eyre Square, aim for William Street. You’ll pass the bronze statues of Oscar Wilde and Eduard Vilde and then Garavan’s Bar (they do a great whiskey tasting platter!).
On the corner after Garavan’s you’ll see an AIB building – this is known as Lynch’s Castle. This medieval tower house was built in 1500 and it features gargoyles, limestone carvings and an inscription from Henry VII.
It’s one of the more underwhelming castles in Galway, but you’ll be passing it as you stroll along Shop Street – the city’s main shopping area.
You’ll soon come to one of the most photographed sections of the city – the junction that leads onto bustling High Street – you’ll see the Claddagh Jewlers ahead of you and the bright yellow and green Evergreen Building straight ahead.
Keep sauntering along High Street, soaking up the sights, sounds and colourful shop and pub fronts, and make your way onto Quay Street.
3. The Latin Quarter
Photos courtesy Failte Ireland via Ireland’s Content Pool
You’ll notice Tigh Neachtain’s pub on the corner on the right (a great pub) – the outside seating is a wonderful spot to watch the world go by.
To the left, you’ll see Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Ring Museum which was established in 1750.
It’s the only jeweller with the right to stamp “ORIGINAL” on their Claddagh ring and the shop is home to a museum that you can nip into.
Keep an eye out for the blue exterior of The Quays Bar and Restaurant – you need to turn right here onto Druid’s Lane.
4. Drop into the House of the Red Earl
It’s on Druid’s Lane that you’ll discover one of the more unique places to visit in Galway – the Hall of the Red Earl.
It’s here that you’ll find ruins dating back to the 13th century, with ties to the founding of Galway and the Anglo-Norman De Burgo family.
It was the first municipal building in the city, used for collecting taxes, hosting banquets, and sentencing criminals.
The Hall of the Red Earl was lost as the city grew until 1997, when the ruins were unearthed by archaeologists on behalf of the Office of the Public Works.
Today, you can walk amongst the ruins, view the artefacts, and learn about the hall’s history from the informative displays.
5. Then head around to the Spanish Arch and Galway City Museum
Photos via Shutterstock
Next is the Spanish Arch – a large stone arch that overlooks the Claddagh (the shore) and that dates to medieval times.
It originally housed soldiers who were keeping watch on the city’s Medieval walls.
Its nickname is thought to come from the city’s merchant trade with the Spanish, whose ships would often be docked in the area!
The Galway City Museum is just a stone’s throw from the Spanish Arch.
It’s one of the best places to learn about Galway’s history, culture, and archaeology, with collections telling the story of prehistoric Galway all the way through to 19th and 20th-century Galway!
The museum has three floors and seven long-term exhibitions, including The Wild Atlantic – Sea Science, and an exhibition on Pádraic Ó Conaire.
6. Cross Wolfe Tone Bridge and stop at Nimmo’s Pier
Photos via Shutterstock
You’re going to cross Wolfe Tone Bridge next and head across the water to Nimmo’s Pier (here on Google Maps).
It’s from this pier that you’ll see that most photographed section of Galway City – The Long Walk.
The colourful houses stretch out into the chilly River Corrib right next to the city’s docklands.
7. Then take the river walk towards the grand finale
Photos via Google Maps
When you leave the pier, you’ll need to walk for 8 minutes until you reach this section of bridge.
This is where you enter the River Walk which leads to Galway Cathedral.
This is a grand, gentle stroll and you’ll saunter along a tree-lined path with the Corrib bustling away beside you.
8. Galway Cathedral
Photos via Shutterstock
You’ll eventually come to the Salmon Weir Bridge and begin your approach to the magnificent Galway Cathedral.
It’s arguably the jewel in the Galway City skyline and you’ll cop it from many places as you stroll around the city.
Interestingly enough, it’s not as old as it looks, and construction on the building was only completed in 1965, earning it the title of ‘the last great stone cathedral to be constructed in Europe’.
Admire it from the outside, first, and then head inside for a look around.
9. Where to next
Click to enlarge
When you finish this Galway walking tour, you have several options:
- Nip into one of the best restaurants in Galway
- Enjoy tunes in one of the live music pubs in Galway
- Or take your Galway road trip out into Connemara and beyond
Guided Galway walking tours
If you don’t fancy my free walking tour of Galway above, don’t worry – there are plenty of guided options in the city.
Here are a mix of free and paid options. Note: if you book a tour through one of the links below we may make a commission that helps us keep this site running.
1. Free walking tours of Galway
The Tribes Tour is arguably the best free guided tour of the city. You’ll see the likes of Eyre Square, Lynch’s Castle, St. Nicholas’ Church, and the Latin Quarter while hearing stories from the city’s past.
2. Paid Galway walking tours
- The 1.5-Hour Guided Walking Tour: Explore Galway’s rich history and vibrant culture with a local expert while uncover the city’s medieval past
- Galway City Walking Tours with Brian Nolan: A captivating way to experience Galway’s rich history with Brian and his 20+ years of tourism expertise
- The Galway Dark History Guided City Walking Tour: A chilling 1.5-hour adventure through Galway’s haunted past
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.